To Kailen’s utmost relief, the portal opened in Ramiro’s Iguaçu grounds. Holding Talaith, he stepped out of the circle. Eachann exited at his side. A crowd had gathered at the doorstep of the hacienda, waiting for their return.
“Please, friend.” He spoke to Eachann. “You were there. Can you deal with everyone? Talaith needs attention, and I don’t have the head or the patience to answer questions.”
“Aye. I will handle it.”
“Thanks, and if Anna hasn’t left, would you thank her and give her this?” He opened his fist. He’d been holding the cabochon ruby since Talaith’s bindings came undone.
Eachann joined the anxious group of Titanians and others while Kailen escaped with Talaith. He moved quickly, yet with a light step, mindful of her condition. Once inside the room, he sat her at the edge of the bed.
“I’ll be right back.” He walked to the tub and turned on the faucet, dumping in a good amount of bath salts he found in a decorative glass jar. As the water reached the temperature he wanted, he searched for first aid items. The jaguars thought of everything. The medicine cabinet was fully stocked. He picked up peroxide, gauze, and ointment, set the items aside, checked the water, and turned it off.
When he returned to the bedroom, Talaith was unbuttoning her pj’s. Her expression was sad, thoughtful, and distant.
“What is it, love? Are you in pain?” He knelt before her and kissed her fingers.
She gave him a tentative smile. “My knees and elbows sting. It’s not bad. Tomorrow, though, every muscle is going to pay me back for what I put them through. Standing with ankles and hands tied wasn’t easy.”
“It’s closer to impossible, a stór. You had nothing to work with or use to lean on. I don’t know how you did it.”
“Desperation. Fear of hypothermia was a powerful motivator.” Finished with the buttons, she dropped her arms at her sides.
Kailen finished undressing her, then slid the pj’s down her shoulders. He curled the garment into a ball and tossed it aside, then grabbed the side seam of her panties and, with a firm tug, tore them in two. Gently, he pulled them out from between her legs.
Her surprise was adorable. He chuckled. “Correct me if I’m wrong. I don’t think you’ll ever wish to see these again.” He held up the mangled piece for her inspection.
“Never.” She wrinkled her nose.
“Thought so.” Cradling her in his arms, he returned to the bathroom. “Your bath awaits, my lady.” He placed her bum at the edge of the tub, then held out a steadying hand as she turned and submerged into the pleasantly steaming water.
She sighed when she surfaced. “Mmm, this is heavenly.”
“Exactly what you need. You were so cold.”
Amused, he watched as she gently submerged and surfaced, enjoying the restoring heat, her aching, tired muscles craved. The third time up, she stretched, leaning her neck on the edge of the tub. He placed a rolled towel beneath her head as a pillow.
“Do you think Khnurn has a chance?” Her pensive look returned.
“I figured that was bothering you. He’s foremost in our minds, and we intend to get him out. I promise. We have plans in the works. While you were gone, unexpected matters developed. First, you need to rest. You can’t help him if you’re not one hundred percent.”
“Yes,” she murmured.
Kailen dipped the washcloth in the water. Taking his time, he paid attention to her bruised temple and lacerated forehead, scraped knees and elbows. He removed dirt and dried blood, then concentrated on her forearms, feet, and toes. All the body parts that had struggled the most to stand. He continued, ensuring every inch of her was treated and cleansed, any debris and ugly remnant of her captivity drowned in the hot water.
Soon, the bath cooled. He turned on the handheld shower, then rinsed her with a gentle stream. Wrapping her in an oversized plush towel, he carried her back to the bed, where he proceeded to recheck for additional injuries that might have escaped his attention. Satisfied none had, he took the ointment from the bathroom and dabbed her wounds.
Talaith’s intent gaze followed his every move. Her brows gathered into a single line, a gesture he didn’t understand. “Thank the gods, I don’t have to draw on my Danann healing magic. It’s all superficial,” he offered as explanation.
“I want your hands on me.” Her cheeks turned pink, almost as bright as the rest of her skin, still hot from the water. “Touch me. Remind me I’m alive, safe with you.”
Kailen tilted his head, reading her expression. How could he deny her any wish or need when she was his world? He’d cared for her, his heart overflowing with tenderness while at the same time breaking with compassion. He’d not thought of intimacy or carnal pleasure. Her need and healing filled his mind. But now, with her words the floodgates opened.
Taking a deep breath, Kailen discarded his clothes. Nothing but skin to skin and flesh joining flesh would do. He slipped in at her side and, propping himself up, brushed his lips against hers. A soft, gentle caress. A tease, actually. Then he paused above her, taking her in, his hungry gaze devouring every beautiful line and curve. His mouth descended on hers again. She parted her lips in invitation, perhaps seeking a faster, fuller invasion. But he held back. Today, they would both burn in a slow fire.
He ran his fingertips down the middle of her chest. Her nipples hardened, and she arched greedily toward his touch. Cupping a breast with his palm, he licked the tip and blew softly over it. When tiny bumps appeared, he took the areola into his mouth, relearning the alluring texture with soft, delicious pulls. Heady arousal surged, and his sex stirred. For the moment, he contained the need to penetrate her.
Sighing, she tangled her fingers around his hair. Her hold was anxious, and he looked up. Talaith trembled, her eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He kissed her quivering belly. “Nothing at all. Stretch your arms over your head, keep them there, and breathe. I want you open to me and calm. Enjoy what I give you.”
“But—”
“Why do you resist me?” He kept his tone patient, soft. “Do as I say, sweetheart.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she did as she was told. Now he could move at will. Straddling her hips, he descended, leaving a trail of kisses and tiny bites along the way to the juncture of her thighs. He dropped his forehead to her stomach, inhaling her distinctive intoxicating aroma. The scent of the female who’d given him another chance at happiness and had enslaved his heart until the end of days. He touched her, ravenous palms fully stretched, taking in the silky sensation through his fingertips into his soul, then he licked her naturally sweet flesh in a futile effort to satisfy his hunger.
On he moved to his goal. She panted as her rebellious arms fought to connect with him. He understood her need, but was adamant to hold this pace. In the end, her satisfaction would be as perfect as his. Her pelvis jerked. He pressed a calming palm over her belly, then nudged an exquisite leg aside to make room for his shoulders. He settled in between, his gestures smooth and seamless, one endless caress.
He’d come at last to the core, the source of her warmth and his home. Keeping her legs apart to fill his want, he explored within delicate folds, tasting thoroughly. He lapped every bit of moisture, the unique essence that made Talaith. His tongue insisted at her excited nub, brought the stimulation higher. When her delicious arousal trickled into his mouth, he knew she was close to the peak. He couldn’t delay either of them anymore.
Moving back up, Kailen enfolded her as if fearing some evil magic would wrest her away again, or she would disappear without a trace. She moaned, and he showered kisses on her head, her eyes, her cheeks, her lips…
“Hold me,” he pleaded. “I need you too.”
“Oh, Kailen.” She dropped her trembling arms and clung to him. Her intensity and desire matched his. He held her for long moments, feeling, breathing, taking her sweet essence into his soul. He then rolled on his back and she ended on top, straddling his waist. A magnificent goddess rose before him. Her flowing platinum hair, ivory skin, firm breasts, and magnetic eyes took his breath away.
He managed to speak. “Bring me into you, love. Bury me deep within you.”
Talaith looked down as he lined his erection up to assist her. Following his cue, she descended on him. The lush heat of her core surrounded him in mindless, dizzying pleasure.
“Gods,” he whispered at the height of completion.
She’d obviously enjoyed the slow pace, because she impaled and lifted herself, keeping the same agonizing rhythm he’d used. Only when she spasmed around his sex did he buck up with urgency.
“Yes. I want this,” she rasped.
Digging into her hips, he pushed her, urged her upward to the winding summit where her internal contractions fluttered into a glorious climax that triggered his. After the last joint spasm was spent, she collapsed on his chest exhausted and once more connected to life.
Night had fallen by the time they left their room. Talaith had napped in his arms and had awakened much recovered. She was ready to catch up with the other guests. Her curiosity had been piqued when he told her Gisela was taken and about Alain’s appeal to the council. Seeing the monster, as she called him, up close was a potent lure.
Powerful spotlights illuminated every segment of the grounds. Magic had created a new luminous canopy that hovered above the entire compound. Guards were posted at every corner they passed. The werejaguars were leaving nothing to chance. Ramiro wouldn’t endure another surprise attack on a guest on his property.
Inside the main building, voices guided them to a spacious sitting room at the end of the hallway. One side was open to an interior patio with a fountain in the center. The rest of the high-ceilinged room maintained the same theme of light-colored tile floors, sofas, and bronze and crystal chandeliers.
Holding on to Talaith’s hand, Kailen stood at the threshold, studying the mood and counting heads. The crowd was smaller. Two deceitful supernaturals were gone and one had been abducted. The only da Cruz present was Ramiro. His wife and offspring had opted to stay away.
Ramiro, a brandy snifter in hand, conversed with Fritiof apart from everyone else. Maya, Zuberi, Eachann, and Bromm were together. Gustaf, Soren, and Lord Aten crowded Alain in a corner. Lord Aten’s imposing security guards stood on either side of the room.
Kailen smiled at the staring faces, trying to dismiss the overwhelming sensation of having no clothes on.
Maya, always intuitive, rushed to them. “Talaith, we’re so relieved you’re back. What a horrible experience. Kailen was going out of his mind.” She threw her arms around the sorceress.
“Thank you,” Talaith murmured. “It was pretty frightening.”
“Let’s get you something to eat and drink. Come.” Maya pulled Talaith to a massive credenza loaded with refreshments.
Kailen didn’t intervene. He watched them go as they laughed and talked. Life was gaining some normality, such as it was. Maya and Talaith had developed a tight bond during stressful times and a critical operation. Magic had allowed the warrior phoenix to join and protect the sorceress’s back. He was pleased the relationship remained solid and good for both females.
Soren moved to the center of the room and held up a hand. “Now that we’re all here, I need your attention. Alain has a few things to say. Afterward, we can discuss rescue options.”
Some of the habitual arrogance had returned to the elf. Not his best look, according to Kailen’s point of view. Folding his arms, Kailen leaned on the doorframe and prepared to listen.
Eachann came to his side. “High and mighty bastard, ken?”
He chuckled. “He believes his own propaganda.”
Alain took the spot Soren had vacated. He exhaled a long dramatic breath and lowered his eyes with fake contrition. Arms hanging loose at his sides, he shook his head, then gazed back up, wearing a tragic expression. Act One was about to begin.
“Dubtach ordered my daughter kidnapped because I got wind of his plans and stepped in.”
Fritiof arched a brow. “Which plans were those, Lord?”
“You think me a traitor.” His penitent grimace was perfect for the evasion. “However, I respect the natural order and the hierarchy of races. An attack on Khnurn is an attack on us all.”
“Lying bastard,” Kailen muttered, making a gesture to move forward.
Eachann grabbed his arm. “Hold, man. Let’s hear the rest of his blether.”
“You’re right. Something important may slip past the nonsense.”
“Aye.”
“My people report that Dubtach has moved,” Alain continued. “He’s hunkered down in the town of Asheville, at an estate Rhonda Sterling purchased on the q.t. with her personal funds. I’m sure that’s where he’s keeping Gisela and Khnurn.”
“Your people?” Fritiof scoffed. “You mean your spies.”
“I prefer the term intelligence gatherers.” Alain’s gaze darted from creature to creature. “Information keeps us in the game as it’s doing now. Say I didn’t share this intel, where would your search begin?”
“Do not for a moment underestimate our resources,” Soren countered. “We have ways. How do you suppose we found the lab in Alaska? And now that we’re on to your shenanigans, we have newfound awareness, Lord Alain. I will confirm and reconfirm anything that comes out of your mouth.”
“Yes…well,” Alain scoffed.
“Even though you had a part in her abduction, we recovered Talaith.”
Alain gaped, his eyes widening. “Talaith?” He turned to the sorceress. “Not I. That’s totally impossible. It’s well known that demons and elves barely tolerate each other. I could’ve begged, offered Idrás the moon and a ton of power, and he still wouldn’t have agreed to kidnap you.”
“If not you, then who?” Kailen asked.
The elf switched to Kailen. “Dubtach. Had to be the mage…maybe Oras. Listen…” He flopped onto the nearest sofa and ran a trembling hand over his face. “I swear to you, on my daughter’s life, I didn’t order Talaith’s kidnapping. Why would I? I gain nothing with her gone.”
“Sure, you do,” Soren drawled. “Removes Kailen, a powerful piece, from the board.”
“But I need Kailen,” Alain retorted. “I want his fury. His thirst for retribution gives him an edge against the mages.”
“Enough of this.” Gustaf held up a hand. “We’re going around and around and getting nowhere. So, it’s established, you didn’t order her abduction. Fine. Doesn’t mean we trust you. Now what? We need a plan to recover Khnurn and Gisela. What exactly did your spies say? Where in Asheville is Dubtach hiding? More importantly”—Gustaf hammered his fingertip on an end table—“you still haven’t told us, what are his damned plans?”
“He wants to terminate Khnurn.”
“No!” Talaith gasped.
Alain frowned. “Sorry. Gustaf wanted the truth, and there it is. Dubtach intends to obliterate the universe’s natural order and subjugate the races under his rule. Humans too. He would’ve killed Khnurn sooner, but he needs full use of the pendant to accomplish his goal. Which gives us a bit of a breather, as he will keep Khnurn alive until he’s certain he can wield it.”
“Why is he keeping him alive?” Soren asked.
“Because the pendant is tied to Khnurn’s life force. The ankh was a gift from the primordial god Atum. It’s a celestial favor. The pendant derives its power from the universe. Dubtach must break the link between sorcerer and pendant without losing the deity’s energy. Killing Khnurn outright would neutralize the pendant.”
“And his location?” Gustaf insisted.
The elf rolled his eyes. “I told you, Asheville is all I know. One of my elves is there right now. I should hear something soon.”
“He better hurry,” Gustaf muttered.
“It’s too ironic that Vallen snatched the pendant,” Alain replied. “That’s how it came to me.”
Gustaf eyed him. “Say that again?”
“The timing was right.” Alain shrugged. “Dubtach was in the process of warming up to the pendant’s magic, making simpler enchantments and creating new versions of drones. But when the meddlesome lynx snagged the pendant, Dubtach was furious. He complained about it to me because we were working together, sort of. Dubtach sent lieutenants to retrieve the piece. I intercepted his order and ran with the pendant. Then it gets complicated. The lieutenant I took to Vallen’s house betrayed me to Dubtach. In return, the mage took Gisela.”
“What Alain forgets to mention,” Kailen said, “is that he ransacked Vallen’s home to find the amulet. The lynx was seriously injured in the attack.”
Alain shrugged. “Dubtach must be stopped. I won’t apologize for that.”
“Right.” Soren snickered. “And that’s why you’re running to return the pendant in exchange for Gisela.”
“So much for the greater good,” Kailen added.
“Respect for the natural order,” Fritiof quipped.
“To save my daughter, Dubtach can have the pendant. Hell, you can have it. Here, take it.” Alain pulled the chain and amulet out of his tunic pocket, dropped it on the coffee table, and strode out to the garden.
The flawless diamond in the center of the ankh glinted under the light of the chandelier. Kailen could swear it shifted or maybe vibrated. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the movement. Munching on a snack, her eyes glued to the ankh, Talaith approached the table, the sparkle calling her forward. He was reminded of scary human movies where reanimated corpses shuffled in a hungry daze to ingest the closest unwitting victim.
Her shins hit the edge of the table, and she startled back, glancing about her in obvious confusion. The pendant shifted and caught the light. The diamond’s sparkle hit her face directly, reestablishing the strange connection. Her behavior went unnoticed by most guests, and no one asked what she was doing. In a trance of sorts himself, Kailen watched her, unable to break the spell, or perhaps his fascination was so strong, he wanted to see it through before he broke it.
She picked up the talisman, held it close to her eyes, then stiffened. Her lifted arm and hand turned rigid. That snapped him into action. He rushed to her. Eachann followed. Steadying her by the waist, he studied her frozen expression, patting her unresponsive arm and body with care. Her eyes were fixed straight ahead and her pupils were so dilated, the lavender iris had all but disappeared in a circle of black. The knowledge hit him then. Khnurn’s life force had recognized her via the pendant and had taken her on an instant memory journey.
Maya appeared at his side. “Is she on a search?”
He nodded, and Maya sighed. The pendant’s prompt had been too sudden for the phoenix in Maya to protect the sorceress. Talaith was on her own. They could only wait for her to return.
“Look at her hand,” Maya whispered.
As Talaith held the talisman within her fisted hand, light streamed between her fingers. The pendant’s power had awakened. Attracted by the commotion, Alain returned from the patio. The others gathered around to watch.
“Get away. Not there. Wrong path.” Her face contorted and her torso jerked.
Kailen stood closer. If she lost her balance, he’d support her.
“Yes.” Her torso rotated in an unnatural way. Kailen considered waking her up. Maya held his arm.
“Careful… Master… No. I don’t want it!” A chilling wail followed her murmur. She stepped sideways, reached out with her hand, then pulled it back as if it had been hit.
“He lies… Lies to everyone. Kailen…run. It is not complete. Must finish. The ancient gives the power… My power. Away!” She jerked and curled into her stomach, and before Kailen could prevent it, she dropped to the ground like a rock.
Mercifully, her head had fallen on her arm and not on the tile. Kailen picked her up as Eachann moved everyone out of the way. He placed her on the nearest sofa.
“Wake up, sweetheart. Come back.” He patted her cheek and her hand. “Come on, a stór.”
“She needs a cold compress.” Maya sped to the credenza and dunked a tea towel in the bucket of melting ice.
“Did you check for breathing?” Fritiof asked.
“She is,” Kailen said. “Soren and I have seen this before. She faints when the memory is finished. It’s scarier than hell.”
True enough. Nevertheless, it took a lot of effort not to panic when she collapsed.
“Here.” Maya returned with the compress.
Smoothing a few loose silver tresses out of her face, he placed the cloth on her forehead, careful not to reinjure the abrasion on the side.
“Come on, sweetheart,” he murmured. “You’re safe. You’re with friends. Come back to us.” Rapid movement behind her eyelids was a good sign. “She’s coming out of it.”
As soon as he spoke, she opened her eyes. Startled she glanced from face to face. “I did it again, huh?”
He cupped her cheek. “Don’t worry about it. Want some water?”
“Yes, please. I’d like to sit up.”
“Of course.” Holding her hand, he slipped an arm around her and brought her up. “Is this good?”
She nodded. “The pendant is clean. Remember all that evil energy? It’s gone. Being separated from Dubtach did it. I think. Just now, its energy was unsullied and pure.”
“Really?”
She smiled. “Yes. It’s pretty amazing.” Her eyes fell on Alain, and her expression hardened. “You’re passing incorrect information. Dubtach knows about your spies. He’s manipulated you and them.”
Alain moved closer to her. “What are you saying? He’s not in Asheville?”
Pouting, Talaith turned to Kailen.
“What’s on your mind, a stór?”
“They’re in Savannah, in an old warehouse building by the river, one of the few waiting to be remodeled.”
“Crazy bitch. What the hell do you know?” Alain argued.
Kailen stood, glaring. “Watch your mouth, elf lord. Apologize or else.”
Alain eyed Kailen and the group and stopped on Talaith. “I’m sorry. I get excited and lose my composure. Dubtach and Rhonda were in North Carolina. The mountains give them cover for the experiments. Savannah is open, with lots of humans, tourists, and activity. Being in a city like Savannah doesn’t make sense.”
“But it does,” she said. “Khnurn saw Oras’s trail in the south. Plus, the very openness of Savannah hinders our search and hides them out in the open. Neither mage cares about secrecy between the species, but they know we don’t want to reveal our presence to humanity.”
“Indeed,” Maya chimed in. “Our hand is forced, and we must choose to either go for it, or wait for another opportunity.”
“Which may never come up,” Soren finished.
“But what if Savannah is the real red herring?” Alain asked. “Another diversion?”
“You are assuming Dubtach foresaw Talaith’s memory journey,” Kailen said. “There’s a way we can find out.”
He pulled out his phone and tapped the keyboard.
“Kailen,” Woody answered. “What can I do for you?”
“Listen, bud. Can you do a property search in Savannah, along the length of River Street and Bay Street?”
“Sure. What’s the focus?” The sound of fingertips clacking on a keyboard came from the other side.
“Anything associated with the Sterling name. Richard, Rhonda, or Sterling Consolidated.”
“Gotcha. Call you back.”
Kailen turned to Alain. “If there’s anything significant, Woody will sniff it out.”
“I still think Savannah—”
The loud ring tone interrupted. Kailen picked up.
“Yes?”
“A Rhonda Marie Sterling owns the building on McGuire and River Street. It’s close to the Talmadge Bridge.”
“Thanks, bud.”
Kailen dropped the phone in his shirt pocket. “Savannah it is. Woody confirmed.”
“Damn,” Alain muttered. Rubbing his forehead, he returned to the indoor patio.
“We go home and prepare,” Soren said. “Get the magic ready for the strongest glamour possible. Nothing that fades easily under firepower. We’re going to need it.”
Lord Aten had watched from the sidelines in silence. Now he stepped forward, signaling at Zuberi. “Go with them, my friend. Take Djoser and my medallion.” Aten draped a gold chain around Zuberi’s neck, then raised his head to speak. “The Eye of Horus has strong undetectable cloaking magic. Zuberi will protect you all. Djoser is a formidable warrior.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Pressing a fist to his chest, Soren bowed to Lord Aten, then clapped his hands. “That’s it. Let’s meet in New York and get situated. Savannah won’t wait forever.”
The raid on Savannah was five hours away. Soren had scheduled them to hit the warehouse right at twilight, as human vision was poorer in darkness, and coupled with the camouflage Zuberi would deploy, the chances of discovery were almost nil.
If only they had actual shields…
Talaith couldn’t shake the sense of doom. She should be thrilled something was being done at last. Rescuing Khnurn from Dubtach’s clutches was paramount. The images she’d seen in the memory journey made the need for his recovery more and more urgent, and yet, the closer to takeoff time she came, the less she wanted to do it.
To be honest, she was terrified.
The search had been quite vague with the future and Kailen’s image. She’d seen snippets of Soren and Maya fighting back-to-back, Eachann demolishing and wreaking havoc as he plowed forward. Not Kailen. She didn’t see the slightest hint or vision of him. And that froze the blood in her veins.
She rushed down the mansion’s main hallway heading for the stairs to Soren’s turret chambers, turned right, and the supernatural she wanted to see was coming her way.
“Thank the gods… Maya.” She stopped.
Maya’s smile didn’t last long. Her expression turned serious. “You looked worried, Talaith.”
“I need a favor, please.”
“Sure, anything.”
Talaith glanced in both directions, ensuring no one was within earshot, then lowered her voice. “It’s Kailen. The search gave me more questions than answers. I didn’t see him in it. It’s no secret he seeks retribution for Nadrine’s death. I fear he will disregard his own safety to exact revenge.”
Maya grasped her shoulders. “What can I do?”
“Should I get sidetracked with Khnurn’s rescue, or should the worst happen, would you keep an eye on him…for me? Protect him. Keep him safe.”
“Hey.” Speaking softly, Maya grasped her shoulders. “Stop the gloom and doom. You’re a powerful sorceress. Throwing negative energy to the universe isn’t good. Nothing is going to happen to you or Kailen. We’re organized, have magic, firepower, and great fighters. Goodness, the Aurician warrior on loan and that deadly looking lance of his… You know, with the blade and the long tip? Who can stand up to him? Right?”
Talaith exhaled. “Right. You have a point. It’s just… I don’t know what came over me.”
“You’re suffering the pre-mission jitters. We’re all anxious. And we want to make sure Khnurn and Gisela aren’t harmed during the rescue and the operation is a success. You have to stay positive. Envision the triumph. Do you still have the ankh?”
“Yes.” She touched the pendant under her gown. “Feels warm, almost hot. According to Zuberi, ‘Gold should be cool.’”
Wrapping her arm around Talaith’s, Maya walked forward. “I’m going out on a limb with this. It’s possible you’re the rightful heir to the pendant, destined to wield its power when Khnurn retires. It has responded to you.”
“It did send me on the memory journey. I don’t want it now. Khnurn has many years ahead. He’s nowhere near retirement.”
“Of course, of course. I’m talking about a far distant future. After you and Kailen have started a family. How are you feeling now? Should we have some tea?”
“Tea sounds perfect.” Talaith’s smile was honest. Maya had scared the shadows away…for now.